BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Ballet Hispánico New York, the nation’s leading American Latino dance company and the largest cultural institution of its kind in the United States, will bring its acclaimed artistry to IU Auditorium on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. for an evening-length presentation of CARMEN.maquia. During their visit, the company will also participate in a weeklong state-wide residency including stops in New Albany, Richmond, and Bloomington.

 

For more than five decades, Ballet Hispánico has been a beacon of artistic excellence, celebrated for its bold repertory and exceptional training programs. The company brings communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through innovative dance productions, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences.

 

The Bloomington performance will feature CARMEN.maquia, Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s electrifying reimagining of the timeless Carmen story. Since the debut of Bizet’s opera in 1875, Carmen has become a cultural icon, inspiring generations of composers, choreographers, and writers to capture her elusive and alluring nature.

 

Sansano’s work honors the powerful Spanish leading lady through highly original choreography and explosive movement. CARMEN.maquia invigorates the classic tale with an unrelenting energy, creating a bold contemporary interpretation of the tragic story.

 

One of today’s sought-after choreographers, Sansano’s work has helped establish CARMEN.maquia as a signature piece for Ballet Hispánico. The performance will showcase the company’s commitment to exploring Latino cultures and experiences through innovative contemporary dance.

 

State-Wide Residency (Complete Schedule)

Company members of Ballet Hispánico New York will also lead a state-wide residency during their time in Indiana with 13 confirmed events in three different cities. A complete schedule can be found above.

 

In Bloomington, Ballet Hispánico will lead classes with students from IU’s ballet and contemporary dance programs as well as the African American Dance Company. An open rehearsal is set for IU ballet and dance students and company members will attend a Lunch and Learn event with IU’s La Casa Cultural Center.

 

On October 14, Ballet Hispánico will perform for the annual Auditorium Kids on Campus program, a daytime program that is attended by local middle school students each year.

 

Company members will also provide two separate Performance for Young People programs with Q&As at IU Southeast in New Albany on October 15 and at IU East in Richmond on October 16.

Ballet Hispánico New York is presented in partnership with IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Masters of Arts in Arts Administrative Program, IU’s Latino Philanthropy Circle, and IU East. IU Auditorium’s 2026–2027 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, Cook, The Herald Times, Upland Brewing Company, World Arts Inc., Boston Scientific, and B97.